Iain,
As an apolitical businessman but avid reader of political blogs I attended the Esher & Walton open primary last Saturday. The attendance was huge - over 700 people. This was the most energised political meeting I have ever attended. It was a joy to listen to 6 articulate committed candidates all of whom would have made excellent MPs.
The winner (certainly not my first choice prior to the meeting) was outstanding. Dominic Raab will make a great candidate.
This process is a great way of engaging the local community - I talked to Labour voters, Libdems and Tories and they were all enthused at local democracy in action.
One major criticism of the candidate list was that there were no local candidates - I actually think this made it a more interesting choice - all had to commit to moving their families and had to work hard to understand local issues.
It is a tribute to all of them how much effort they had put it.
Having experienced a bruising 18 months in business and being very cynical of all political spin this restored a modicum of faith in our democratic system. Dominic has a lot to live up to but I feel optimistic.
Regards
XX
political commentator * author * publisher * bookseller * radio presenter * blogger * Conservative candidate * former lobbyist * Jack Russell owner * West Ham United fanatic * Email iain AT iaindale DOT com
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Words to Warm the Cockles of My Chum's Heart
Here's an email I received last night, which Dominic Raab will certainly like, but I suspect that it will go down rather well with Comrade my chum Eric Pickles...
Brilliant Stuff - I think it will also please Douglas Carswell & Daniel Hannan as well. For those of you that haven't read Dominic Raabs book. The assault on Liberty: What went wrong with rights, it is an excellent read.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute tosh!
ReplyDeleteA creditable local candidate will always make a better representative than a carpet bagger. It is merely a career move (i.e. a job) for the well intentioned party member to say they will move into the area and integrate with the locals. There is also the problem of what happens when the needs of the constituent clash with the needs of the party. You cannot be loyal to both (which incidentally, is why this country is in the mess it is!).
Jonathan Starkey
NO Local candidates AT ALL?
ReplyDeleteWho drew up the shortlist?
I spose you sold all the supposedly missing comments off cheap to one of your friendly Billionaires in his tax free retreat . . .
ReplyDeleteStop taking the mick out of Eric for saying CHUMS!
ReplyDeleteWhilst I thought it amusing as well, Eric is becoming the HP source in the Cameron Sandwich. He appeals to the Northern Folks! It is a champion menu to appeal to all tastes!
Nice job that Esher and Walton one..Job for as long as you want it if you continue to wear the blue rosette.
ReplyDeleteThey even continue voting for you even if your policy is totally different to views of the majority of your constituents as the outgoing MP Ian Taylor demonstrated over his voting record on Europe.. Like I sais nice job.....
The limited range of Northern Tories may like to identify with Eric "You know he's a funny pudding" Pickles, but t'other folk ooop North don't.
ReplyDeleteAye . . .
Dominic Raab will be a superb addition to the Conservative ranks...a possible contender for a cabinet position within his first term, I feel...
ReplyDelete